Never a friendly, Ancelotti demands focus for Brazil’s historic India clash

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Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said the five-time world champions take their friendly against India next week very seriously, insisting there is “never a friendly game” for them, according to media reports Wednesday.

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Brazil, ranked fifth in the world and boasting stars including Vinicius Junior, will face India in Kolkata on October 3 — their first senior men’s international in the country where football enjoys a passionate following despite cricket’s overwhelming popularity.

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The visit will give local fans a rare chance to see one of football’s most celebrated teams in action.

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“Brazil has supporters in every corner of the world,” Ancelotti was quoted as saying by daily The Times of India.

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“It’s a pleasure for us to play in India, not just for the Brazilian supporters, but also those in India.”

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Although the match is officially a friendly, the veteran Italian manager said Brazil would approach it with full seriousness.

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“It’s a preparatory game, a friendly, but for us, there is never a friendly game,” Ancelotti, 67, said.

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India, ranked 138th by FIFA, have never qualified for a World Cup but football remains hugely popular, especially in Kolkata and the southern city of Kochi.

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Ancelotti said the fixture would also offer Brazil a chance to experience a new football culture.

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“We have to see other nations, other cultures. We are used to playing friendlies with different styles,” said the coach who took charge last year.

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“India will be exciting. It’s true that India does not have a good experience (of playing world-class opponents), but it’s important for us to know how they play. I’ve never been to India. I am very excited to come to Kolkata.”

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Next week’s match will be the first appearance by a full-strength Brazilian men’s national team in India.

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Brazilian legend Pele visited India in 1977 and 2015.

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The Brazilians will arrive in India after playing two friendlies in Australia.

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One of the most decorated managers in the game’s history, Ancelotti has won a record five Champions League titles as a coach.

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Brazil are seeking to end a lengthy World Cup drought, having last lifted football’s biggest prize in 2002.

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Their most recent World Cup campaign saw them bow out in the round-of-16.

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AFP

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